Panoramic X-rays (also known as Panorex® or orthopantomograms) are wraparound photographs of the face and teeth. They offer a view that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. X-rays in general, expose hidden structures, such as wisdom teeth, reveal preliminary signs of cavities, and also show fractures and bone loss.

Panoramic X-rays are extraoral and simple to perform. Usually, dental X-rays involve the film being placed inside the mouth, but panoramic film is hidden inside a mechanism that rotates around the outside of the head.

Unlike bitewing X-rays that need to be taken every few years, panoramic X-rays are generally only taken on an as-needed basis. A panoramic x-ray is not conducted to give a detailed view of each tooth, but rather to provide a better view of the sinus areas, nasal areas and mandibular nerve. Panoramic X-rays are preferable to bitewing X-rays when a patient is in extreme pain, and when a sinus problem is suspected to have caused dental problems.

Panoramic X-rays are extremely versatile in dentistry, and are used to:

Assess patients with an extreme gag reflex.

Evaluate the progression of TMJ.

Expose cysts and abnormalities.

Expose impacted teeth.

Expose jawbone fractures.

Plan treatment (full and partial dentures, braces and implants).

Reveal gum disease and cavities.

How are panoramic X-rays taken?

The panoramic X-ray provides the dentist with an ear-to-ear two-dimensional view of both the upper and lower jaw. The most common uses for panoramic X-rays are to reveal the positioning of wisdom teeth and to check whether dental implants will affect the mandibular nerve (the nerve extending toward the lower lip).

The Panorex equipment consists of a rotating arm that holds the X-ray generator, and a moving film attachment that holds the pictures. The head is positioned between these two devices. The X-ray generator moves around the head taking pictures as orthogonally as possible. The positioning of the head and body is what determines how sharp, clear and useful the X-rays will be to the dentist. The pictures are magnified by as much as 30% to ensure that even the minutest detail will be noted.

Panoramic X-rays are an important diagnostic tool and are also valuable for planning future treatment. They are safer than other types of X-ray because less radiation enters the body.

If you have questions or concerns about panoramic X-rays, please ask your dentist.

Wonderful experience. I had three fillings done. It was pain free and everything looks and feels great. Doctor Peterson and his staff are friendly and helpful. I just switched to Dr. Peterson so this was my first official appointment aside from the initial consultation which also went well. I'm super happy with the switch :)

N

Nolan H.

Dr. Peterson is amazing. I highly recommend him and his staff. He only works on 1/4 of your mouth at a time so you don't have to have your whole mouth numb at once. He's also great at injecting - he takes his time. Cleanings are a breeze; they do a great job every time and will quickly address any issues or concerns you have.

S

Sarah T.

Dr Peterson and his staff is AMAZING! I have been with this office for 5+ years and it has been an absolute pleasure. The quality of the dentistry I have received here is amazing. I came in with so many dental issues it was beyond overwhelming. Dr Peterson and his staff helped me work on it consistently to the point where today my teeth feel fantastic. These are people who really do care about their patients. I can 100% guarantee that this office will stick with you. They have gone to bat for me multiple times, way above and beyond what you would ever expect. I just really can't say enough good things about the quality of care I have gotten here. If your teeth are important to you, you owe it to yourself to try this office, they are truly some of the good ones.

A

Alex Y.

We are lucky to have Drs. Peterson and Chalker in Atascadero. Dr. Peterson is the most professional, compassionate and skilled dentist I have ever sat in the chair with. Their offices are modern, bright and clean to the extreme - it smells good. They are sensitive to patients who are anxious about going to the dentist (my wife) and take extra care and precaution to make sure she is comfortable during exams and cleanings. I personally recommend Dr. Peterson to all my clients in Atascadero, Templeton and Paso Robles.